Crime Alerts

MSU Police have issued the following crime alerts:

January 29, 2015

MSU Alert: Phone scam

Montana State University Police are notifying MSU students to be aware that phone
scammers are again targeting MSU students.

The scammers are predominantly calling foreign students on the MSU campus. They are
telling students they have a warrant for their arrest and that they must pay a fine
immediately – and electronically – or they will be arrested by the Bozeman or Missoula
Police Department. Any students who receive such a call should not transfer any funds and should call
the MSU Police Department immediately at (406) 994-2121. The scam is particularly devious because the caller ID on victims’ telephones shows
the Bozeman and Missoula Police Department’s name and number. This is known as “caller
ID spoofing” and occurs outside of the university system’s technological control.
Six MSU students reported the scam within in the span of a few hours today. In each
case, the caller claimed to be a police officer from either the Bozeman or Missoula
Police Department. Last fall, MSU students were similarly targeted, according to MSU Police Chief Robert
Putzke. This message was sent via the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system to all students, faculty and
staff at MSU Bozeman. All students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled
in the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system.

December 9, 2014

MSU Timely Warning: Vehicle Vandalism Update

Montana State University Police are warning students, faculty, and staff of a vandal
or vandals who have been loosening the lug nuts on vehicles to the point of the wheels
coming off during driving and causing a severe accident.

Today, at approximately 5:47 pm on 12/9/2014 – MSU Police received a report of an
individual who appeared to be loosening the lug nuts on vehicles in the vicinity of
the South Gatton parking lot on campus. Description of individual is as follows: individual
was wearing a dark colored sweatshirt, possibly jeans, and was possibly wearing glasses,
and carrying a 4-way tire iron. It has been discovered that two vehicles are in fact
missing at least one lug nut and has one lug nut that was loosened.

Both cars were parked in the vicinity of the North and South Gatton lots off 7th Ave
and Grant St, north of the Stand Union Building.

MSU Police encourage drivers to make a visual check of their cars and pay attention
if they hear an unusual sound coming from their car or the steering of their car behaving
erratically – both are warning signs that a vehicle’s tire or tires may have been
vandalized.

Anyone who has seen suspicious activity in any of the MSU parking lots is encourage
to call MSU Police at 994-2121 or email its silent witness program at switness@montana.edu.

December 1, 2014

MSU Timely Warning: Vehicle Vandalism

Montana State University Police are warning students, faculty and staff of a vandal
or vandals who have been loosening the lug nuts on vehicles to the point of the wheels
coming off during driving and causing a severe accident.

In the past 24 hours – since Sunday morning – MSU Police have received two reports
of students who have had their vehicles vandalized. In one case, a driver was on a
highway before noticing that four of five lug nuts were missing from a tire and a
fifth lug nut was loose. In the second case, a tire came off the car as the driver
made a turn on campus.

MSU Police have ruled out recent repairs or lack of maintenance as possible causes.

Both cars belong to female students and both cars were parked in the vicinity of Harrison
Street and its accompanying lots between Eighth and 11th avenues. There appears to
be no connection between the two students or their vehicles.

Because the students had not driving their cars recently, the vandalism could have
occurred as recently as the last few days or more than a week ago.

MSU Police encourage drivers to make a visual check of their cars and pay attention
if they hear an unusual sound coming from their car or the steering of their car behaving
erratically – both are warning signs that a vehicle’s tire or tires may have been
vandalized.

Anyone who has seen suspicious activity in any of the MSU parking lots is encourage
to call MSU Police at 994-2121 or email its silent witness program at switness@montana.edu.

October 18, 2014

MSU Timely Warning: Assault Update

Montana State University (MSU) issues Timely Warning and Immediate Notification in
compliance with federal law for crimes that have already occurred which the university
considers to be a serious and continuing threat to its community.

MSU police have identified a suspect in today’s earlier reported assault. The first
suspect who attempted to enter the shower was identified as a student resident of
South Hedges Hall.

The suspect has been arrested, charged with assault, and placed in the Gallatin County
Detention Center.

The second suspect who was trying to open doors has not been identified.

If anyone has information related to these incidents or other suspicious activity
on campus, please contact the MSU Police Department at 994-2121.

October 18, 2014

MSU Timely Warning: Assault

Montana State University (MSU) issues Timely Warning and Immediate Notification in
compliance with federal law for crimes that have already occurred which the university
considers to be a serious and continuing threat to its community.

On October 18th, 2014 at approximately 8:45 a.m., the MSU Police Department responded to South Hedges
Hall for a report of an assault. The victim reported that a male entered the bathroom
and tried to enter the shower twice while she was showering. The victim struck the
male and he fled. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5'7", 150-160
lbs., 18-19 years old, brown chin length hair, green eyes, clear skin with no facial
hair, and a sharp pointed nose. Male suspect was wearing a rasta (red, green, yellow
tie-dyed) colored tank top, brown shorts, and flip flops. Suspect male was seen with
another male earlier in the morning. Second male is described as white, 5'10" and
skinny, shoulder length brown wavy hair, wearing a blue and light blue tank top, a fisherman
style hat with loud Hawaiian print, and black board shorts/swim trunks. The second
male suspect was reported knocking on doors, opening an unlocked door and asking to
come in.

If anyone has information related to these incidents or other suspicious activity
on campus, please contact the MSU Police Department at 994-2121.

October 10, 2014

MSU ALERT: ROTC Training

MSU ROTC cadets will be conducting a Field Leadership Reaction Course at MSU in full
Army uniform on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please be advised that the
cadets will be utilizing imitation rifles with orange flagging wrapped around the
barrels for this training and will be transporting these imitation rifles in duffle
bags to designated locations on campus near Romney Gym and the MSU Practice Fields.

Please do not reply to this message.

This message was sent via the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system to all students, faculty and
staff at MSU Bozeman. All students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled
in the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system.

For emergencies posing an immediate threat, the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is
also used. Enrollment in the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is free and is used to
deliver critical information to MSU students, faculty, and staff in the event of an
emergency. To subscribe, go to: www.montana.edu/msualert. You can also enroll by texting 69310 with the following message: msu alert. (You
will receive a confirmation text as a reply.)

September 25, 2014

MSU ALERT: Bike Thefts

Since Monday 9/22 MSUPD has taken approximately 11 bicycle theft reports and one report
of an attempted theft. These thefts have occurred near academic buildings and residence
halls. There are no suspects at this time and police are conducting increased patrols
of bike racks. The vast majority of bikes stolen were not secured with a lock. Of
the bikes that did have locks on them the locks were not secured properly either to
the bike or bike rack. One report advised of a male subject wearing shorts and a red
tank top attempting to cut a lock off of a bike with a hacksaw. He was unable to be
located.

MSU Police would like to remind you that all bikes should be locked to a bike rack
with a quality cable or U shaped lock. Please report any suspicious activity observed
in the vicinity of bicycle racks immediately to MSUPD. Also, please feel free to take
advantage of our free bike registration which tracks serial numbers that greatly aids
in stolen bike recovery.

The MSU Police Department offers crime prevention presentations and provides escorts
which are available on campus 24 hours a day for any student, faculty, staff or visitor.
The MSU Police can be reached at (406) 994-2121. Advocates from the VOICE Center can
be reached at (406) 994-7069. Anonymous reports can be made to the MSU Police Department
at switness@montana.edu and at the VOICE Center.

This Timely Warning message was sent via the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system to all students,
faculty and staff at MSU Bozeman. All students, faculty, and staff are automatically
enrolled in the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system.

For emergencies posing an immediate threat, the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is
also used. (It was not used for this notice.) Enrollment in the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING
system is voluntary, and all students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to
enroll. The MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is free and is used to deliver critical
information to MSU students, faculty and staff in the event of an emergency. To subscribe,
go to: www.montana.edu/msualert. You can also enroll by texting 69310 with the following message: msu alert. (You
will receive a confirmation text as a reply.)

September 24, 2014

MSU Alert: Telephone Scam Alert

Telephone scammers targeting students at Montana State University-Bozeman, the University
of Montana-Missoula and nationally are telling students they must pay a fine immediately
by giving payment information over the phone or they will be arrested by the Montana
State University-Bozeman Police Department.

“MSU-Bozeman Police does not conduct business this way,” said MSU-Bozeman Police Chief
Robert Putzke. “Any students receiving such a call should not share any personal or
financial information with the caller and should call legitimate law enforcement immediately.”

The scammers are predominantly calling foreign students on the University of Montana-Missoula
campus, but students at MSU-Bozeman, Penn State and in Georgia and Tennessee have
also received calls.

The scam is particularly devious because the caller ID on victims’ telephones shows
the MSU-Bozeman Police number. This is known as “caller ID spoofing” and occurs outside
of the university system’s technological control.

More than 40 students reported the scam within the span of a few hours on Wednesday.
Students report the caller sounds like he is calling from a call center as there are
other voices in the background. Students have been told a variety of things: they
owe back taxes, have an overdue tuition bill, or a fine and if they do not pay they
will be suspended from school, deported, or arrested.

Students receiving such calls are urged to call law enforcement on the MSU-Bozeman,
UM-Missoula, and MSU-Billings campuses. MSU-Bozeman Police can be reached at 406-994-2121.
UM-Missoula Police can be reached at 406-243-6131. MSU-Billings Police can be reached
at 406-657-2147.

May 7, 2014

MSU Alert: Two males walking on campus with a rifle.

University Police received a report of two males carrying a black rifle across 11th
Street heading toward the arch near the center mall of campus. Male in hunter orange
hoodie. Second male in grey/green jacket ball cap. Officers on scene. Please stay
indoors and contact 994-2121 if seen.

Officers are searching buildings. Please lock doors for safety. Watch for updates
and info at www.montana.edu.

MSU Police have checked main campus buildings & found no signs of individuals matching
descriptions of earlier alerts.

This message was sent via the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system to all students, faculty and
staff at MSU Bozeman. All students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled in
the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system.

For emergencies posing an immediate threat, the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is
also used. Enrollment in the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is voluntary and all
students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to enroll. The MSU ALERT TEXT
MESSAGING system is free and is used to deliver critical information to MSU students,
faculty and staff in the event of an emergency. To subscribe, to go: www.montana.edu/msualert. You can also enroll by texting 69310 with the following message: msu alert (You
will receive a confirmation text as a reply.)

February 2, 2014

MSU Alert: Woman fends off attack at 15th and Koch.

Bozeman City Police reported that at approximately 1:25 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014,
near 15th and Koch, a woman at her vehicle had an unknown man approach her from behind
and violently push her against her car and threaten to rape her. The woman struck
the assailant in the face. The man then fled the scene. The man headed southbound
on S 14th towards Koch. The man is described as being white, mid- 20’s, short light brown hair, approximately
5’10” and weighing 160-170 with blue or green eyes. He was wearing a black down coat
over a black hooded sweatshirt and was described as having a pock-marked face and
possibly a broken or bruised nose.

Call 911 if you see the suspect or have information regarding this attack.

It is unknown if this attack is related to the alleged assault by, and subsequent
escape of, Kevin A Briggs, 28 YOA male, at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014.

Briggs was in custody at the Law and Justice Center, 615 S. 16th Ave., while officers
were investigating a reported sexual intercourse without consent and assault with
a weapon involving a knife. Shortly after 8 a.m.Briggs escaped the Law and Justice Center on foot.

Briggs was last seen wearing a belly belt with handcuffs and leg shackles.

Briggs should be considered dangerous and potentially armed. He is still at large.

Citizens should not approach him but should call law enforcement at 911 immediately
if they spot him.

As a reminder: The MSU Police Department offers crime prevention presentations and
provides escorts which are available on campus 24 hours a day for any student, faculty,
staff or visitor. The MSU Police can be reached at (406) 994-2121.

Advocates from the VOICE Center can be reached at (406) 994-7069.

Anonymous reports can be made to the MSU Police Department at switness@montana.edu
and at the VOICE Center.

This Emergency Notification message was sent via the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system to all
students, faculty and staff at MSU Bozeman. All students, faculty, and staff are automatically
enrolled in the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system.

This Emergency Notification was also previously sent using the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING
system. Enrollment in the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is voluntary, and all students,
faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to enroll. The MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING
system is free and is used to deliver critical information to MSU students, faculty
and staff in the event of an emergency. To subscribe, go to: www.montana.edu/msualert.
You can also enroll by texting 69310 with the following message: msu alert.(You will receive a confirmation text as a reply.)

February 1, 2014

MSU Alert: Police search for escaped detainee near campus: should be considered dangerous

Bozeman Police and MSU Police are searching for Kevin A. Briggs, a 28-year-old white
male, who escaped from custody at the Gallatin County Law and Justice Center, 615
S. 16th Avenue, this morning while officers investigated his alleged rape with a weapon
of a woman on Tai Lane near campus last night.

Briggs is described as 5’5” with dark hair, blue eyes and of medium build.He was wearing a black or grey hooded coat with semi-white stripes, olive-green pants
and black shoes at the time of his arrest. When he escaped shortly after 8 a.m. today,
Saturday, Feb. 1, Briggs was wearing handcuffs, leg shackles and a belly belt.

A photo of Briggs is posted athttp://www.montana.edu/news/12404/escaped-sex-assault-and-assault-with-a-weapon-suspect-caution

He is considered potentially armed and dangerous. Citizens should not approach Briggs,
but should immediately call 911.

If you have important information regarding this incident, please call MSU Police
at 994-2121. For more information, visit the MSU homepage at www.montana.edu.

January 12, 2014

MSU Timely Warning: Assault

MSU issues timely warnings in compliance with federal law for crimes that have already
occurred which the university considers to be a serious and continuing threat to its
community.

On January 12th, 2014 at approximately 6:20 p.m. the Montana State University Police
Department responded to Johnstone Center for a report of an assault. The victim reported
that an unidentified male grabbed her arm in a stairwell and told her he was going
to rape her. The victim was able to run away from the suspect unharmed. The suspect
is described as a white male approximately 5’7” in height and wearing a green hoody
style jacket.

MSU Police would like to remind you to use caution when walking alone at all times,
stay in well-lit areas & travel in groups.

The MSU Police Department offers crime prevention presentations and provides escorts
which are available on campus 24 hours a day for any student, faculty, staff or visitor.
The MSU Police can be reached at (406) 994-2121. Advocates from the VOICE Center can
be reached at (406) 994-7069. Anonymous reports can be made to the MSU Police Department
at switness@montana.edu and at the VOICE Center.

This Timely Warning message was sent via the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system to all students,
faculty and staff at MSU Bozeman. All students, faculty, and staff are automatically
enrolled in the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system.

For emergencies posing an immediate threat, the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is
also used. (It was not used for this notice.) Enrollment in the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING
system is voluntary, and all students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to
enroll. The MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is free and is used to deliver critical
information to MSU students, faculty and staff in the event of an emergency. To subscribe,
goto: www.montana.edu/msualert. You can also enroll by texting 69310 with the following
message: msu alert. (You will receive a confirmation text as a reply.)

MSU ALERT UPDATE January 16,2014

UPDATE TO TIMELY WARNING ISSUED SUNDAY JANUARY 12TH, 2014

As a result of investigation, MSU Police have identified a suspect in Sunday’s reported
assault, in which a woman in the Johnstone Center said a man grabbed her and threatened
her. While this suspect was a student at the time of the assault, this person has
subsequently withdrawn from the University and has been issued a no-trespass order. This
suspect was identified by the victim through a photo line-up. Based upon information
developed during the investigation and in consultation with the Bozeman City Attorney’s
Office, the suspect has been charged with Disorderly Conduct.

MSU Police would like to remind you to use caution when walking alone at all times,
stay in well-lit areas & travel in groups.

The MSU Police Department offers crime prevention presentations and provides escorts
which are available on campus 24 hours a day for any student, faculty, staff or visitor.
The MSU Police can be reached at (406) 994-2121. Advocates from the VOICE Center can
be reached at (406) 994-7069. Anonymous reports can be made to the MSU Police Department
at switness@montana.edu and at the VOICE Center.

This Timely Warning message was sent via the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system to all students,
faculty and staff at MSU Bozeman. All students, faculty, and staff are automatically
enrolled in the MSU ALERT E-MAIL system.

For emergencies posing an immediate threat, the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is
also used. (It was not used for this notice.) Enrollment in the MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING
system is voluntary, and all students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to
enroll. The MSU ALERT TEXT MESSAGING system is free and is used to deliver critical
information to MSU students, faculty and staff in the event of an emergency. To subscribe,
goto: www.montana.edu/msualert. You can also enroll by texting 69310 with the following
message: msu alert. (You will receive a confirmation text as a reply.)